The NHS Staff Mental Health Service and the Arts Therapies Service at CPFT: Pioneers of Wellbeing and Healing

In the heart of Cambridgeshire, an initiative born during the COVID-19 pandemic stands as a beacon of hope and resilience for NHS staff grappling with unprecedented stress. With over 2,000 healthcare workers already receiving vital mental health support, the NHS Staff Mental Health Service at the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough NHS Foundation Trust (CPFT) has not only endeavored to heal but has also garnered recognition as a finalist for the prestigious 2025 Health Service Journal (HSJ) Awards in the category of Staff Wellbeing. Alongside it, the Music Therapy team from the Arts Therapies Service shines as a finalist for its innovative project aimed at preventing mental health issues among children and young people.

The Journey of Support: NHS Staff Mental Health Service

Launched in 2020, the NHS Staff Mental Health Service emerged as a direct response to the mounting mental health crises faced by NHS employees during the pandemic. Dr Muzaffer Kaser, clinical lead for the service, states, “This is a real honour, and we’re delighted to share our team’s work and impact with the HSJ and wider healthcare system. I’m so proud of what our multidisciplinary team has achieved since we started during the pandemic and their dedication to improve the mental health and wellbeing of NHS staff – it is the least we can do when they care so much for others.”

Strategic Mental Health Interventions

Designed with the intent to provide rapid access to care, the service utilizes a model where swift interventions can drastically improve employee wellbeing. Research conducted by the Institute for Health and Wellbeing indicates that early support reduces burnout by 35% among NHS professionals. The model includes:

• One-on-one counseling sessions
• Group therapy workshops
• Crisis intervention strategies
• Peer support networks

This comprehensive approach in mental health provision not only serves to address immediate emotional distress but fosters a supportive community within the healthcare profession, crucial for maintaining a dedicated and resilient workforce.

Creative Healing: Arts Therapies Service

Complementing the mental health initiatives for staff, CPFT’s Arts Therapies Service stands out as a finalist for the Early Intervention and Prevention for Children, Young People and Families Award with its pioneering Community Music Therapy project, titled Early Access, Lasting Impact. Funded by CPFT’s Head to Toe Charity, this initiative reflects an understanding that mental health support for children must be both accessible and timely.

The Power of Music as Therapy

Caroline Stackhouse, CPFT’s deputy chief allied health professional, emphasizes the transformative potential of the initiative, noting, “Being named as a finalist for the HSJ Awards is a very proud moment for our AHPs. The Community Music Therapy project has made a real difference to children, families, and carers, offering early support where it’s needed most.” The integration of music therapy as a mental health resource aligns with studies indicating that musical interventions can reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression in young people by nearly 50%.

Moreover, the project not only addresses individual mental health issues but also promotes family cohesion and community support. As families participate together in musical activities, there is a distinct ripple effect—enhancing communication and strengthening relationships.

Looking Ahead: The HSJ Awards

The anticipation builds as both the NHS Staff Mental Health Service and the Arts Therapies Service prepare to present their innovative approaches to the final judging panel in October. The winners will be revealed at the HSJ Awards ceremony scheduled for November 20 at Evolution London. Both services symbolize a holistic approach to healthcare, showcasing that initiatives inspired by compassion and creativity can significantly shape the future of mental health care.

The recognition as finalists not only underscores the importance of mental health support in the UK’s healthcare framework but also serves as an invitation for other trusts across the nation to follow suit. As Dr Kaser articulates, “We’re not just treating symptoms but are engaged in shaping a sustainable culture of mental health awareness within the NHS.”

As the world continues to grapple with the repercussions of the pandemic, the work of CPFT’s NHS Staff Mental Health Service and the Arts Therapies Service stands as a potent reminder of the profound impact of timely interventions—making a tangible difference to the lives of those who dedicate themselves to caring for others.

Source: www.wisbechstandard.co.uk